8 Legit Ways to Get Free Laptops

If you do an Internet search for “ways to get free laptops”, you’ll find a host of information out there. Much of it is bogus. It’s just not possible for just anybody to get a free laptop. However, in certain circumstances you may be able to get a free laptop.

In other cases, you may be able to get a highly discounted laptop. I’ll go over some legit ways to get free laptops here. I’ll also share avenues for getting highly discounted laptops.

So many of today’s necessary functions require some type of computer, whether a laptop or PC. If you’re in a situation where you need or want a laptop computer, check out these options.

I’ll be right up front and tell you that most of these options apply to people in one of two parties. In most cases, you need to be in a lower income tax bracket, or you need to be a college student.

If you fall into one of those two categories, you’ve got many more options for getting a free laptop computer.

On the other side of the coin, however, are the highly discounted laptops. In some cases, anyone can qualify for getting a really good deal on a highly discounted laptop computer. However, some organizations sell the discounted laptops to low income people only.

How to Get a Free Laptop

If you are considered low income (definitions differ at each organization) you could get a free laptop. The companies and/or foundations listed below supply free laptops to families under certain circumstances. Read on for more information.

1. The OnIt Foundation

The OnIt Foundation (short for Opportunities Necessary to Increase Technology) is one organization that provides free laptops. To qualify, you must have a child in a K-12 school grade.

You must also have a low enough income that your child qualifies for a free or reduced school lunch at the public school he/she attends. Yes, your child must attend public school to qualify.

All qualifying children must live in the United States – the program is only open in the U.S. at this time. Application instructions are listed on the foundation’s website.

2. Komputers 4 R Kids

Komputers 4 R Kids is a non-profit organization that provides free laptops to Southern California kids. The computers they use are donated by businesses or individuals, refurbished and given to underprivileged children.

The organization also gives low cost computers to schools and other non-profit organizations. The goal is to help them build computer labs to make research and education easier for children.

3. Computers with Causes

Computers with Causes collects donated computers to give to kids and others. According to their websites, they give computers to underprivileged kids, returning military members and households in need.

They also give computers to foster homes and educational programs. To get a free laptop, you need to fill out an application and explain your need. The goal of the organization is to ensure people with the highest need get computers first. Therefore, be prepared to answer questions regarding your application.

Also, the site mentions that receiving a free laptop from the organization may affect any government benefits you receive. As such, you may want to check with your benefits department before applying for a free computer.

Computers with Causes operates in all 50 U.S. states.

4. With Causes

With Causes is a charitable organization that accepts donated laptops and other computers to give to those in need. You may be eligible for a free laptop if you:

Live in a low-income family

Live in a women’s shelter for battered women

Are a military member or veteran of the military

To find out if you qualify for a free laptop from With Causes, simply fill out their online form. You’ll be asked what your specific need and situation are.

As with other charitable organizations, receiving a laptop from With Causes may affect your government assistance benefits. Be sure to check with the proper authorities before receiving a free laptop.

5. Attend an Online College

Some online colleges will give you a free laptop computer or iPad if you attend their college. It’s important to check tuition costs in order to be sure the price of tuition is worth the free computer.

Some colleges will raise tuition costs to cover the price of the laptop, so be sure to shop around. The Open Education Database has a list of online colleges that offer free laptops. This will make it easier for you to find a free laptop for attending an online school.

6. Attend an Online Public School

Some public school districts have online options for students who want to attend public school from home. This education choice can be a good option for families who are considering homeschooling but aren’t confident in their teaching schools.

It can also be a good alternative for students who for other reasons don’t fit well in traditional schools. Online public schools sometimes offer free laptops to students who choose their school.

Check with your local public school district for the online public school option availability.

Note that with both online public schools and online colleges, you are sometimes required to return the computer when you’re finished with your schooling.

7. Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse

If you go to their website (the link is above), you’ll find access to a locator map. The map will direct you to organizations in your area that provide free computers to those in need.

Note that some organizations that AFTRR links to may provide discounted computers only.

If you’re looking for more options for getting a free laptop computer, there are people you can ask. I would start with your local department of human services. They might have information on getting free or discounted computers.

8. Your Local Library

Although you can’t get a free laptop to keep at your home, you can have access to a computer via your library. Most local libraries have several free computers for members to use as they wish.

They generally have free Internet access as well, meaning you can complete a variety of tasks with library computers.

Note that you do have to obtain a membership at most local libraries before they’ll allow you Internet access. This is mainly for security reasons so they know who is visiting which websites from library computers.

10 Ways to Get a Highly Discounted Laptop Computer

If you don’t qualify for a free computer from the organizations listed above, you may qualify for a discounted computer. The following places may be able to provide you with a computer at a highly discounted price.

Note that each organization has different regulations about who can qualify to buy a discounted computer.

1. eBay or Amazon

If you look on EBay or Amazon, you may be able to find a refurbished computer. These refurbished laptops are usually sold at a much lower price than a new laptop.

And the good news is that anyone can buy one. There are no qualifications or income limits to buy a discounted computer from these sources.

2. PCs for People

PCs for People provides low-cost computers to those in need. Eligibility requirements include:

Being currently enrolled in an income-based government assistance program

Be 200% below the current poverty level

This organization can also provide discounted computer repair services. Go to the PCs for People website to get more information about services and eligibility requirements.

3. The Jump OnIt Foundation

The Jump OnIt Foundation was started by the OnIt Foundation mentioned above. If you don’t qualify for a free laptop from the OnIt Foundation, you may qualify here.

When Jump OnIt talks about highly discounted computers, they’re talking about computers as low as $99.

The qualifications to get discounted computers from Jump OnIt are as follows:

Your income needs to be less than $23,400 per year

Your child needs to qualify for free or reduced school lunch

Or, you need to receive SSI, DSHS, TANF or GA-U

If you meet any of these qualifications, but you don’t qualify for their free computer from OnIt, don’t fret. You may qualify for a discounted computer from their sister agency, Jump OnIt.

4. Everyone On

Everyone On is a non-profit organization that works to help everyone have access to affordable computers and Internet service.

Since 2012 they’ve helped more than 600 million people get connected to the Internet affordably. Everyone On believes that what they do will help improve the lives of the people they help.

Their website states that people with a home Internet connection are employed 25 percent faster than those who don’t. That means that the unemployed can get working sooner with the right tools, such as an Internet connection.

Contact the agency directly for more information on whether they can help you get a free laptop.

5. World Computer Exchange

You may be able to get a low-cost computer from World Computer Exchange if you live in a developing country. Note: you generally need to be under 24 years of age as well.

This organization generally sells to organizations planning to use the computers in public settings. However, they do consider many other needs.

6. Computer Technology Assistance Corps

The Computer Technology Assistance Corps (CTAC) exists to create opportunities and empower people. They accept donations of used laptops and other devices, refurbish them and provide them to those in need.

The computers are sold at a “cost recovery basis” amount. In order to qualify for these computers, you must meet the following guidelines:

Receive food stamps or welfare

Receive reduced or free school lunches

Be a low-income senior over the age of 62

Be handicapped or disabled

If you fit into these parameters, you may qualify to receive a computer form CTAC. Laptops purchased through CTAC start at about $100 each. Desktop computers they sell start at around $68.

Simply apply online at their website to see about potentially getting a highly discounted computer.

7. Dell Refurbished

Dell Refurbished sells refurbished laptops at discounted prices to the general public. Just head over to their website and start shopping.

Bonus: If you shop via Rakuten, you can earn cash back on your Dell laptop purchase.

8. Notebooks for Students

Notebooks for Students is a non-profit organization that offers discounted laptops to students. To be eligible, you need to be attending K-12 school, be homeschooled, or be attending college.

This organization sells all types of laptops including Dell, HP, Lenovo and more to students at a discount price.

9. Connect All

Connect All sells highly discounted computers to non-profit organizations and to those with low income. You’ll have to check out their website to get detailed qualification criteria, but you can get a great deal if you qualify.

When I checked on their website, they were offering refurbished laptops for as low as $129.

10. Your Local Pawn Shop

You may be able to get a great deal on a refurbished laptop by stopping by your local pawn shops. Pawn shops resell laptops people have sold them.

And there are no income or other qualifications to meet if you want to buy one. You simply need some cash. This can be a great way to get a laptop at a highly discounted price.

Though not just anyone can get a free computer, there are organizations out there to help those in need. There are also resources to get a low-priced laptop even if you’re just a regular person looking for a deal.

You simply need to know where to look and what the qualifications are. Have you ever gotten a free or highly discounted laptop computer? Share your experience by leaving a comment.

111 Comments

sanjay

I need one laptop for work. Please help me. I have a money problem.

Deacon

Try out some of the ideas in this post to help you get a new laptop!

Donald Hunt

I’m 48 years old and getting ready to start college online for my bachelor’s degree in psychology. I begin in less than a week and just now found out I won’t receive any laptop with my course or my financial aid until 3 weeks into the course. You say you help students. Help.

Deacon

Try some of the ideas in this post to help you get either a free laptop or one that is less expensive. You could also try asking a friend for help for a few weeks by letting you borrow theirs until you get yours. Sometimes employers will even help, depending on the business and their rules. I hope you are able to get what you need.

prasannavenkatesh

I want a free MacBook Pro for students and need a person to give me one free.

Deacon

Well, you might, or might not, be able to get exactly what you want when it’s free. After all, beggar can’t always be choosers, so the saying goes. However, if you try some of the ideas in this post, you might get a laptop of some kind without having to pay for it. Good luck!

Abdul faheem

I want a free laptop.

Deacon

Then this site is here to help you out! Good luck! 🙂

Khadija batool

I am Khadija Batool. I belong to a lower middle class family and also live on rent. I am well educated, but I am jobless. I have some hurdles in my life because I want a laptop in my own home and for my job also.

Deacon

This post should help you then! I hope you are able to get one and get a job. Good luck!

Mwanjala Njama

I desparately need a free laptop. I’m currently unemployed, and it’s difficult to apply for jobs online using a smartphone. I live in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and I will pay the courier cost on this side.

Deacon

Try the sources in this post for starters. You might also check to see if there are any assistance programs in your area. You can also search the internet. I hope you can find something. But keep in mind, if you don’t, you might instead look for ways to make money so you can buy one for yourself. I wish you good luck.

Monica L Kuykendall

I am a 44 year-old disabled woman. I’ve just about had it with sitting around the house. But, on a fixed income, that was all I could do. So, I decided to put that time to good use. I am going back to school. But when I was talking to the lady about enrolling, she said I could use my phone, but that I will need a laptop to get my assignments. Do you think I would have a chance, or just don’t waste my time? I’m bored.

Deacon

You could always give it a try. You never know, you just might end up with a computer you can use to go back to school. Good luck!

David Greenfield

I am going to be starting school in a few weeks and I haven’t been able to get a hold of a laptop. Mine quit working. I really don’t know what to do. I’m not working can’t afford a new one or even a used one. Is there a way to get one donated?

Deacon

This post should help you get started to see if you can get one for free. You might also check with the school you’ll be attending to see if they have any that can be checked out or loaned. They might also know of other sources where you can get a laptop to use for school. I hope it goes well for you!

Watsemwa Seth Gershom

l need to pursue my online masters degree, but I’m lacking a laptop to facilitate it. My income is too low to afford the purchase of either a new or old one. Help me to find a suitable solution so I can get a free laptop. Thanks.

Deacon

Use the post. That should be a good place to start! Good luck!

Abhimanyu Chatterjee

You should include websites that cater to people outside the US.

Deacon

You can always check to see if there are programs for free or reduced price laptops where you live. Of course, it’s possible that assistance is not available for that in your country, but you could do an internet search to see what you can find. If that doesn’t work, perhaps try a side job to get the money to buy one. We do have lots of posts about side hustles and work from home jobs that might help.

paneiphyu

I need a laptop. I am a student.

Deacon

Use this post to see if you can get one. I wish you luck!

saim

I have 10,000 Pakistani rupess to get a laptop, but can’t find one at this price. Can you help me?

Deacon

You could try some of the ideas in this post to help. Another idea is to start a side hustle to earn more money and buy the one you want. We have lots of posts that can help you earn more money. I hope you are able to get one. 🙂

Veronica I Ling

I’m in search of a laptop, which I can’t afford, to apply for jobs at home.

Deacon

I hope you are able to find one. Use this post to help you start your search.

Qistina

I need to use a laptop for my studies. My major is computer science. I still cannot afford money to buy it. I didn’t pay my study fees. I hope you will help me.

Deacon

Try using the links in this post to see if you can get a laptop for school. As far as paying your study fees, you could try getting a part time job or starting a side hustle. We have some posts about ways you can work from home or online as well as side hustles you an do. Check them out and good luck to you!

Tharun

I am a very poor boy. I want a new laptop for studying. I do not have any money to buy a laptop. Please help me.

Deacon

Try out some of the ideas and links in this post to help you get one. I hope you are able to get one to help you gain your education.

Ashish

I need a laptop. I am a student.

Deacon

Students these days certainly do have the need for a laptop computer. You can try some of the links in this post to help you in your search for one. I hope you can get one to aid you in your education.

Well, that’s really not how it works. Our site is not giving out free laptops. We have written this post so that you know about some of the ways you can get a free laptop. Try using the links in the post to see if you can get one. Good luck!

Usman Raza

I am Usman Raza from Rawalpindi. I am a bachelor student. I live in a private hostel. I face many financial problems there. I need a computer or laptop so that I can do any online jobs and continue my studies without any financial problems.

Deacon

This post might help you to get that done. I wish you luck!

Nicholas

Hi there, My wife is going back to an online college and her laptop that she had is one she’s borrowing from a friend who needs it back. I am trying to find her a new one or one that’s compatible and up to date for her schooling. She does online schooling. Our funds are very limited. We are on a government assistance program. I’m looking for her so she can finish going, but the computer that she’s borrowing – they need it back. Either way, I am trying to find a way to get her a computer so she can finish her business degree on a laptop. I would greatly appreciate it if somebody could point me in the right direction or try to help me out with this situation. Thanks in advance. I’ll be waiting for responses. Have a good day. Nicholas Yelm.

Deacon

Nicholas, check out the links in this post to see if you can qualify to get her a laptop. You might also check with schools, hospitals, or other large businesses that sometimes turn over their computers. They sometimes hold auctions and you might be able to get one for a reduced fee that you can afford. I hope these ideas help.

Aymen Dhouibi

Hi, My name is Ayman from Tunisia. I study at a secondary institute. I need a computer. I can not complete my studies because I am studying history. Please help me. Thank you.

Deacon

You might be able to get one by following the links in this post. Check it out and good luck!

LaTanya Garner-Katz

I need one laptop for my 11 year old son. He’s an honor student and gets straight A’s and B’s.

Deacon

Check out the links in this post to get him one. I wish you luck.

Rehema Namuddu

I am running a project for young girls and women in Uganda, but I lack the funds to buy a laptop. I hope you could give me one so that my work moves smoothly.

Deacon

To get a laptop, try using the links in this post. If that doesn’t work, look for similar programs in your country or try starting a second job to earn money for one using our side hustle posts. Good luck!

Fateh Alyan

I am a Syrian refugee. I am an agricultural engineer now set up in Germany. Social assistance is inadequate. I needed a laptop to complete a master’s degree. Please pay attention to the request. I wish you great thanks and appreciation.

Deacon

To get a laptop, check out the links in this post. You might also start a fund me campaign or try starting a second job or side hustle to get the money for one. We have lots of posts that can help you earn extra money or side hustle.

Ruth

I am in a government assistant program. I am below poverty and I am in need of help to get a laptop.

Deacon

Then this post is for you! I wish you luck in getting your laptop!

Lindy Slater

I am in desperate need of a laptop and or PC computer as mine has recently been packed up and I start my studies on the 27th of May, 2019. As I am on a disability pension, my house and bills for food, etc. all come first which leads to me being financially poor to be able to buy a new one. Now I’m really desperate as my study dates are getting closer.

Deacon

Try using the links in this post to get one. Or, you could try some of the other posts on our sites to help you make extra money so you can buy one for yourself. 🙂

Shawn p Henderson

Hi. I’m a single father of 3 beautiful daughters. I’m going back to school and need a computer. Can someone please help me.

Deacon

Check out the links in the post to see if you can get one. I wish you luck!

Roy Kachale

I need assistance in terms of a laptop. I am a university student and I am struggling to get a laptop for school use.

Deacon

Check out the links in this post to see if you can get one. The other idea is to use some of our other posts to make extra money to earn one. Good luck!

Click the Links

Deacon, My goodness, you have the patience of a saint with all of the great “how to” information you provide to help people help themselves. Then, the comments are all from people expecting you to just do it for them and send them a free laptop. Most people would have blown a gasket by now. 🙂 Bless your kindness.

Deacon

Thanks for your kind words.

Simi kumari

I need a laptop now, only because I can’t complete my studies without it.

Deacon

Check out the links in this post to see if you can qualify for one. Good luck!

sheela

I need a laptop, sir. Please, I am in a poor family. Please help me, sir.

Deacon

Check out the links in this post to see if you can qualify for a laptop. 🙂

Tetteh Stephen Adjor

Please, I’m a student from the University of Education in Winneba. Please, I need one of your laptops, sir, for my research work.

Deacon

I am not personally offering laptops to people. I am providing you with information in this post about how you can get one. Please check out the links in this post to see if you qualify for one.

Jess Murphy

Deacon, you seem like a saint – replying to every comment and trying to help people out the best you can. I wish there were more people like you out there doing small acts of kindness like this. Good luck and I wish you well!

Deacon

Thank you, Jess. I do like to help people as much as possible. 🙂

Pamela

The company I work for is in need of working used laptops and or desktop computers for free or at a discounted rate. We are a non-profit organization. Can you help?

Deacon

If you try the links in this post you might be able to get computers for less money or free. You might also try some of the sites on the internet that offer free or discounted computers to non-profit organizations. Of course, they may be refurbished or used rather than new. But for free, it could we worth checking into. I wish you luck!

Sheeba

Can you please give me a laptop for free to study? I have no money to buy one.

Deacon

If you follow the links in the post you can try to get a free laptop.

Shankar sonurle

I am a student. I need a laptop for online work. Thank you.

Deacon

Try using the links in this post to get one. Good luck!

Yvette

I became certified to become a loan signing agent. I purchased a laser printer with the hopes of starting a new business to become self sufficient and my laptop drive does’t support my new laser printer. Please help. After paying for the expense of two certifications and a new laser printer and business cards, etc., I can’t afford a new laptop.

Deacon

Have you tried contacting the place where you got the laptop or the store where you purchased the printer? You may also have to go to the manufacturer (Dell, Apple, etc.) to get help with this issue. I hope you are able to resolve it.

Ismail

I want a computer. Thanks.

Deacon

Try using the links and information in the post to get one. Good luck!

Bekoe Jones

Please help. I am a student and like learning IT programming. But, I don’t have money to buy a laptop and I need help. Please help me.

Deacon

Try using the links and ideas in the post so you can get one.

mark

I am very poor. Can someone please send me a free laptop?

Deacon

That would be nice, but it doesn’t work that way. However, if you follow the links or suggestions in the post you might be able to get one. 🙂

M S Tejas

I am a student of sound engineering. I need a laptop for my projects. I don’t have enough money to buy a laptop. So. please, can you help out for this?

Deacon

Try using the links in this post to get a laptop. I wish you luck!

Shyam

I want a laptop for my studies.

Deacon

Try out the links in this post to see if you can get one. Good luck!

Yvette

Yes we tried to install a new driver but my laptop is so old it wouldn’t work.

Vincent collins

I am a Certified Nurse Assistant, a military veteran, and a father of a 11 year-old in real need of a laptop. I can’t afford to purchase one. How can you help me?

Deacon

Use the links and information in this post to help you get one.

Arthur sebowa

I have a course soon to start but I don’t have a laptop. I don’t have money to buy a laptop. I need your help to give me a laptop.

Deacon

I do not give out free laptops. However, if you follow the links and information in the post you might be able to get one. I wish you luck.

m

I want a free laptop.

Deacon

Use the links and information in this post to help you get one. 🙂

Innocent Afehmike

I had an accident two years ago and broken my right leg. I can no longer walk normally nor do things I used to do. I am married with kids, so it affects me in my place of work. They terminate my appointments. That’s why I need a laptop for my online freelance work. I will be grateful if you can give me a helping hand. Thanks and best regards. Innocent A

Deacon

If you need a laptop, use the links in this post to help you get one. Good luck!

Shakir majeed

Hi. I am from India. I am a college student. Can I get a laptop for free or at a discount in India?

Deacon

You would have to follow the links in this post to find out. Good luck!

Jacquelyn Frazier

I have no income at the moment. I’m looking for a job. I have 3 kids in school and could really use the help with a laptop. It would definitely help my family.

Deacon

That sounds like a rough situation. Follow the links and use the other information in this post to see if you can get one. I wish you luck!

Kenish lobrel

I need a laptop for my reporting in school. I used it even now. I don’t have a laptop. I don’t have one at all, but if you have a kind heart, please give me one for educational purposes.

Deacon

To see if you can get a free laptop, check out the links and information in this post. 🙂

Joshua

Please give me a laptop because I need it for my school. Please, I hope you understand.

Deacon

Try using the information and links in this post to see if you can get a free laptop. Good luck!

Muhammed Fairooz NT

I want a free laptop to study higher education online.

Deacon

Try using the links and information in this post to get one. Good luck!

Jeremiah

My name is Jeremiah. I am 14 years of age. I need a laptop to make my future great as a computer programmer.

Deacon

This article has information on ways you can get laptops for free. Be sure to check it out! Good luck!

eniola

I want a laptop to help develop my studies.

Deacon

Check out the links in the article to see how you could get a free laptop!

astrida

I am a widow of low income. I need a laptop for my child who has been accepted at university.

Deacon

Check out some of the ways to get a free one in this article!

Sharon Lucious

My name is Phill and I need a computer and a car for school. My mother lives o social security and I need 2 more semesters to finish. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thankfully yours.

Deacon

If you need a new computer, check out some of the ways in this article that you could possibly get a free one!

Mohammed zameer Uddin

Right now I’m jobless I’m looking for a job accounting field so I’m not able to practice for that. And I’m not able to buy a laptop. So it would help to get one from you. I really need this. I’m married and 30 years old.

Deacon

Hey, check out some of the ways you could get a laptop for free in this article if you can qualify for one. Best of luck finding a new job!